Pancakes with the President took place Feb. 4 outside of the General Classroom Building, with the Utah Tech Student Association president passing out breakfast to students passing by.
Recently appointed UTSA President, Shellsea Ramirez, a senior individualized studies major from St. George, was at the event, passing out pancakes to students passing by from 9 to 11 a.m.
Utah Tech University President Shane Smeed, who was originally scheduled to attend the event, was unable to be there due to being sick.
“He [Smeed] really wishes he could be here because he was really excited to also be able to connect with the students,” Shellsea said. “I know that’s something we’ve been talking about, just because I know UTSA is very student-first, and I think that’s also something that our administration focuses on. You [students] guys are a priority, we’re all here because of you [students] guys.”
At the table, Shellsea was continuing her goal for her presidency, which is to connect with students and be a leader who can be there when needed.
“Something that I wanted to do is kind of bridge more of that connection,” Shellsea said. “We are a resource, or if you [students] guys want to get more involved, especially with [student body] elections and everything else coming up. At the end of the day, I just really wanted to say ‘Hello,’ and I figured I’d kind of let you guys have some breakfast along the way.”
The event fell on a day when there were groups from the United Kingdom touring the college, getting acquainted with the community here at Utah Tech. One of the groups stopped by the table to get some food, and Shellsea hoped to grow a connection with them.
“Just by saying ‘Hi’ or at least offering some pancakes, or even if you’re not into pancakes, some students just kind of come and ask for a plate of blueberries, and I’m just like, ‘Whatever I can do to help,'” Shellsea said.
Kelsey Carter, a junior digital media major from Saratoga Springs, stopped by the pancake table. As UTSA president, Shellsea has a busy schedule, so Carter thought that Shellsea being active at this event was a great way to make students feel special.
“I think that Pancakes with the President was a good way to kind of make a connection to Shellsea on campus,” Carter said. “She is a new president, she’s going to be on for this semester, and what better way to connect with students than showing that you are one, and you’re willing to take time out of your day.”
Kaydence Busk, a freshman healthcare administration major from Richfield, thought the event was a good way to connect with Shellsea too.
“I think it’s a great way to bring everyone together on campus, even if they didn’t know it was happening,” Busk said. “People walk by and see free food, and they come up to learn.”
Brynlee Johnson, a sophomore population health major from Springville, was with Busk and agreed it was a good idea to build connections within the campus community.
